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Iowa man granted excuse from material during trial

March 13th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A man in western Iowa accused of beating his girlfriend wants to be excused from his trial when he feels uncomfortable with material. Judge James Heckerman granted Darion Love’s request Tuesday in Pottawattamie County. Love said he didn’t want to see evidence showing photos of the victim, Jennifer Pruett. Heckerman said Love’s right to confront his accusers would be diminished if he wasn’t in the room when evidence was presented.

The Daily Nonpareil reports Love is charged with first-degree kidnapping, attempted murder and willful injury in connection with the alleged seven-hour beating of Pruett in May 2012. He later said the couple was attacked in Omaha. Love’s attorney says he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and he was defending himself from Pruett’s attacks. Testimony is expected to continue Thursday.